Caymanian Designer Takes Top Honours in Bangkok

By Stuart Wilson

22 year old Caymanian and Walkers Global employee Gianna Rankin was recently recognised by the International Design Awards (IDA) as the 2025 Emerging Graphic Designer of the Year and awarded gold in the print/books category for her work, entitled: ‘DesignStudio Promotional Book’.

The award is given to persons who demonstrate devotion to elevating the art of graphic design.

As part of the recognition, Gianna’s work will be published in the DDA Book of Designs and distributed to museum bookstores.

Gianna will also receive promotion in a newsletter to 100,000 design professionals and potential clients worldwide, year-long coverage on the IDA websites and be critically acclaimed by the IDA distinguished panel of judges.

Her work was selected from entries spanning over 70 countries.

The Caymanian Times spoke exclusively to Gianna about her accomplishment and her interest in graphic design:

“I would say that I have always been a creative, expressing my creativity through dancing, creating songs, or imaginative stories, with some of my work displayed at my first art club showcase at just five years old. Looking back, I can see that I was already experimenting with collage, which is still one of my favorite techniques today,” she remarked.

Gianna also explained how she learned about the opportunity to participate in the International Design Awards:

“I first heard about the International Design Awards during my third year of university, shortly after submissions had already closed but I knew it was something I was genuinely interested in and wanted to be part of in the future,” she explained, adding that once it got closer to the end of her senior year, she decided finally submit.

“I was incredibly proud of my DesignStudio Promotional Book project and felt it was time to put my work out there and allow it to be seen beyond the classroom. On December 11, 2025, I received recognition from the International Design Awards for that project,” she gleamed. 

In addition, on November 12, 2025, Gianna received four awards from the Creative Communication Awards—one for the same book project and three for other submissions.

The Creative Communication Awards honour work that rethinks how we communicate, influence, and inspire.

The awards ceremony was a black tie affair held at ICONSIAM on the river banks of Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday, February 8th, 2026.

Gianna explained that her time in Thailand was amazing; referring to it as, “…the trip of a lifetime.”

“Being recognized by both organizations was incredibly affirming and motivating at such a pivotal moment in my creative career,” said Gianna, who is currently employed with the Walkers Global Law Firm as a Global Junior Graphic Designer.

She outlined that one of her main goals as a young creative is to inspire other young Caymanians.

“A main goal of mine is to inspire young Caymanians to know that you can do anything you dream of once you are dedicated and driven.

“I believe dreams can evolve, but once you set a clear goal for what you want in life, there is no stopping you.

“The journey is not always easy—there will be long nights and early mornings—but it all pays off in the end. Choosing a creative career can feel nerve-wracking, especially when thinking about income, stability, and gaining respect and understanding for what you do.

“But trust me when I say, if you genuinely love what you do, that is what matters most. The rewards and the celebrations will come at the right time. Just keep creating,” said Gianna.